The Benelli's do recoil more than gas auto's, but no more than doubles of the same guage. No one seems to obsess over how much of a problem recoil is with doubles, which are still the preferred gun of most competetative shooters.
I love my M-1's, but view them and all Benellis as the better choice for a hunter. The SLIGHT increase in recoil I can tolerate from a hunters perspective. It is a tradeoff I'm willing to make in order to get the Benelli's other advantages. If I were planning on shooting serious competition though even I'd look very hard at a Beretta to get a heavier gas operated gun.
If you're like me, more of a hunter who shoots clays casually, the Benelli is a fine choice.